Social Security: A children’s program

When I testified before President Obama’s debt commission in July, I warned that we shouldn’t try to balance the federal budget at the expense of child safety, education or equity.  Investments in the future of our children are the best investments we can make in the future of our country.

That’s why I’m disappointed at the news that Social Security won’t provide a cost of living increase in 2011.  As Social Security advocates point out, there are good reasons to think that the government’s estimate of cost of living is already low for seniors — not adjusting it while medical costs skyrocket is unacceptable.

At Voices, we’re concerned because Social Security isn’t just for seniors; actually, through survivor’s benefits and other aid, Social Security is a huge children’s program.  At it’s heart, Social Security is a family insurance plan, and in times like these, we could all breathe a little easier knowing that it’s strong.